Gary P Washburn

Gary P Washburn

1935 – 2023

Gary P Washburn passed away peacefully at home on April 23, 2023 of causes incident to age. The days preceding his death were a choice blessing for our family, as he spoke to each of us personally to share final words of love and counsel.

Grandpa was born on February 13, 1935 in Richfield, Utah to Dick & Lottie Washburn. He was the youngest of 4 children, and had a happy childhood. When he was in high school, the family moved to Nampa, Idaho where he met the love of his life, Arloa Ahrens. They were married on February 20, 1955 and later sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple. They settled in Cottage Grove, Oregon, where they raised their two children, Doug and DeLanea. They moved to Eugene in 1974, where they enjoyed many years growing their landscaping business and actively participating in the community.

After more than 50 years in Oregon, Gary and Arloa moved to Utah to be closer to family, but his heart never quite left Oregon. He was a devoted Oregon Duck football fan, and loved talking about the Ducks with everyone.

Grandpa was a gifted landscaper, and was happiest surrounded by trees and shrubs. He had a deep appreciation for the beauty of his surroundings, and “the earth yield[ed] bountifully under [his] touch and under [his] supervision.” He was proud of his many landscaping projects, and in his later years loved to walk the neighborhood offering tips and tricks for planting, pruning, and lawn care – solicited or not! Many neighbors and friends, wherever he has lived, will drive their streets and see the trees he planted as his legacy.

He always enjoyed a special connection to the countryside, especially Wallowa Lake and the Eagle Cap Wilderness in northeastern Oregon, where he and Grandma owned a cabin and spent as much time as they could. He loved fly fishing the rivers and streams wherever he went, and always had his fishing gear in the truck.

Gary loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and spent his life in the service of the Lord. He served in many callings and assignments as a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including two full-time missions and one service mission with his wife. He especially loved ministering to others, and was a faithful Home Teacher and minister to many people throughout his life. He never hesitated to help anyone in need, and was always generous in sharing his resources.

Grandpa loved his family. He saw each of us for who we are, and loved us unconditionally. A consummate student of the scriptures, Gary was known for quoting and teaching from the scriptures and words of modern prophets to everyone he could, reminding each of us of our potential and eternal worth.

To all those who have served our family and Grandpa in his final days, including Active Hospice, his nurses Jessica and Laura and the CNAs, along with the countless other kind messages and texts, we thank you all so much. We would also like to thank Shawn at Warenski Funeral Home for his kindness and making all necessary arrangements.

And in the words of Grandpa Gary…

Thanks a million, and Go Ducks!

“Weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning.” – Psalm 30:5

Gary Washburn is survived by his loving wife, Arloa, son Douglas Washburn, daughter DeLanea (Tim) Boss, seven grandchildren, and seventeen great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at 7:00 pm in the Warenski Funeral Home Chapel, located at 1776 North 900 East, American Fork, Utah.